Why does a postgrad student suddenly become more reliable overnight simply because he/she has found a job? I advertised on Spareroom and wonder just how many people on there checked with their insurers.

I also wonder whether any of the firms which turned me down would consent to a single lodger if I approached them after taking out a policy. Has anyone tried that?

The firms seem completely unable to make a distinction between a large house full of young students and a single homeowner who is letting to one mature student.Katejo, at guardian.co.uk/money

I was with NatWest for 25 years, but was forced into changing bank when they started playing music above the cash machines and in the banking hall (Just who can you bank on to deliver real benefits? 13 Sept). The only one I could find at short notice was Yorkshire Bank, so I am with them.

Staff at Co-op, Barclays and others looked gobsmacked when I asked if they played music inside the bank. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I rather like decorum when I'm totting up my account and talking to banking staff.Jack Slater, Oldham

Of course there should be more stringent controls on the level of debt people can incur (Should there be a cap on personal debt? Sept 20). David Black of Defaqto says: "Bad debts are something that lenders are very anxious to avoid". With the world financial system in crisis through bad debts and personal indebtedness in UK through the roof, surely this would be laughable if it wasn't intended seriously. Given the absolute failure of free-market economics to preserve us from the present crisis, surely he can't really believe "it should be left to the market" to decide how much lending is appropriate?Robert Tollemache by email

Should people be stopped? Nope. Adults should be able to make choices.

But that includes bigger-picture stuff: if your boiler packs up, or your car needs repairs, the first stop is a savings reserve. If someone else has to provide the cash, something's wrong.

A key point you missed is that debt is just a substitute welfare state in the UK (and the US). It's the method the UK and its taxpayers prefer to access cash when they haven't got it, and to keep taxes low (eg, why do families "need" two cars? Often there's no decent public transport. Why do people have to live on credit when they lose their job? Because of tiny unemployment support benefits).oommph, at guardian.co.uk/money

If I were to find unexpected money in my account due to someone entering the wrong account number or banking sort code, I would contact the bank to let it know and have the payment revoked. If I failed, and then spent the money, I would think it reasonable to be charged with theft. It is the equivalent of finding a lost wallet in the street and failing to hand it in.

Surely it must, at least, be possible for a bank to see what has been entered and trace it back to the recipient and take the necessary action? It is so easy to make a small mistake when doing electronic banking.Katherine Read by email

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